Joseph Wieland, Clark Murphy, Richard Bleier

With the 123rd pick in the 2008 draft, the Texas Rangers have selected RHP Joe Wieland, 6-3, 170, 18-years-old, out of Bishop Manogue High in Reno, Nevada.

Per Baseball America, Wieland is the 93rd-best talent in the draft: BA says:

"The Reno area is gaining a reputation for developing pitchers, but Wieland stands out as the top righthander to come out of the area that in the last few years has produced Rays minor leaguer Jake McGee (out of high school) and Cole Rohrbough (Braves, out of Western Nevada CC). Wieland has impressed scouts with his combination of now stuff, clean arm and projectable frame. He was outstanding in all, sitting at 88-91 mph with his fastball and reminding scouts of Mark Prior with his command and has more deception in his delivery. He's maintained that velocity this spring and reportedly has flashed better velocity, with most reports having him bumping 92 regularly. He's shown the ability to spin a breaking ball despite Reno's thin air and flashed a changeup. He's signed as a two-way player to San Diego State but figures to sign if taken in the second-to-fourth round range."

With the 153rd pick in the 2008 draft, the Texas Rangers have selected OF Clark Murphy, 6-2, 190, 18-years-old, out of Fallbrook High in California.

Per Baseball America, Murphy is the 191st-best talent in the draft: BA says:

"A UCLA recruit, Murphy first gained widespread attention with his impressive performance at a California high school coaches' showcase in June 2007. He was the top player at that event, along with Kyle Skipworth. During the home run contest at the Aflac Classic last August, Murphy pounded tape-measure shots with wood out of Tony Gwynn Stadium at San Diego State. In the eyes of many scouts, he has regressed since his coming-out party, despite a conditioning program that has left him with a strong, athletic frame that resembles a young Ryan Klesko. He struggled in fall and winter showcases and was hindered by an injured quad muscle. Murphy tends to open up too early in his swing, spinning off the ball. He also has a habit of blocking his hands and getting them almost locked beyond the front edge of the plate. Murphy's speed is below-average, but his arm and glove should be adequate for first base."

Clark Murphy...
With the 183rd pick in the 2008 draft, the Texas Rangers have selected LHP Richard Bleier, 6-2, 185, 21-years-old, from Florida Gulf Coast University.

He's not ranked among BA's top 200, so here's his player bio from FGCU:

"Richard is majoring in Criminal Justice... Favorite sports moment was starting the first game of the state All-star game in 2005... Favorite sports movie is Any Given Sunday... Favorite sport to watch is tennis or basketball... Favorite athlete is Pedro Martinez... The one thing that no one on the team knows about him is that he only drinks water and milk... Richard's career aspiration is to be a professional baseball player or a lawyer... Richard is most thankful for his family and their health... Richard is the son of Lawrence and Kathleen Bleier."

Home Plate